MANILA, PHILIPPINES (6 December 2023) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has helped India in its urbanization progress, but assistance in areas admire sewerage, wastewater treatment, and solid waste management still needs to be strengthened, says an independent evaluation.
The evaluation assesses ADB’s preserve in addressing India’s urban development challenges from 2012–2022.
“ADB has helped enhance access to reliable water supply and sanitation and flood management services by supporting the provision of infrastructure and building the capacity of local government officials in urban areas,” Independent Evaluation Department Director General Emmanuel Jimenez said. “However, it needs to better performance through better project designs, reduced implementation delays, and strengthened financial sustainability; and examine avenues for greater private sector participation in the water sector.”
The evaluation identifies some key areas for improvement. “Cross-sectoral synergies need to be promoted by adopting integrated approaches in ADB’s operations. There is a need to accelerate the process of knowledge exchange and disseminating best practices at different levels of government,” said evaluation team leader Srinivasan Palle Venkata.
India has one of the largest and fastest-growing urban populations in the world, which is resulting in unmet demand for urban services. Infrastructure investment requirements are huge, but finances are limited. The report highlights a need for improving institutional and financial capacities of local governments and more integrated planning to avoid unplanned use of land and water resources.
About Independent Evaluation at ADB
ADB’s Independent Evaluation, reporting to the Board of Directors through the Development Effectiveness Committee, contributes to development effectiveness by providing feedback on ADB’s policies, strategies, operations, and special concerns in Asia and the Pacific.
